You have unique potential as a leader, and finding it is the key to doing remarkable things. There are situations that are crafted for you to lead. If you're able identify them and sell other people on you as the person to lead, you will command a premium -- in money, prestige and future opportunities.

The question of what makes a good leader is like asking what makes someone a good artist. The ways Steve Jobs, George Patton and Mother Teresa led were as varied as their choice in clothes. Jobs would invoke his famous "reality-distortion field" to make people believe they could do the impossible. Patton would appeal to duty and honor and slap them if they didn't comply. Mother Teresa would appeal to the commonality we all have as human beings, and the need to practice compassion and love. You can love or hate any of them, but there's no denying their effectiveness -- and their uniqueness.

Some people don't want you to believe in leadership uniqueness, because finding it can't be reduced to a standard process. It's not an exaggeration to say there is a conspiracy against leadership uniqueness. See why some don't want you find yours in my personal blog.

Notes

A great article about using your weaknesses to make you a great leader.